Chapter 1
Late Night Rendesvouz

This is a slice-of-life story about four teenagers in a small seaside town who aligned at one time and dispersed into remnants of memories. 

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September 2017

Malam telah larut. Bintang gemintang menghiasi angkasa. Jalan raya tampak sepi. Hanya sesekali truk antar provinsi melewati jalur dengan roda besar yang menggetarkan aspal. Lampu berwarna kuning temaram menjadi sumber penerangan selain sinar perak rembulan yang menggantung di langit.

Aroma laut yang asin terbawa angin dan menggelayut di udara. Suara ombak terdengar dari lokasi bangunan tua terbengkalai yang menjadi tempat pertemuan rahasia mereka malam itu—bersamaan dengan suara cat pilox yang disemprot ke tembok untuk merangkai grafiti. Bau cat pilox yang menguar di udara bercampur dengan aroma asin lautan.

“Owen, berhenti. Aku mendengar sesuatu.”

“Polisi?” tanya Owen cuek tanpa menghentikan gerakan tangannya yang sibuk mencoret dinding dengan cat pilox. Hanya di malam hari ia bisa melampiaskan hobinya yang terpendam. Di siang hari, ia hanya mampu mencoret kertas dengan spidol posca.

“Bukan.” Ia bisa yakin itu bukan polisi karena  tidak melihat tanda-tanda mobil patroli. “Bentar biar aku cek.” Perempuan dengan rambut biru itu melesat ke balik gedung terbengkalai, mendeteksi arah sumber suara langkah kaki yang mendekat, dan menatap ke kegelapan malam. Ia mendengar suara langkah kaki tapi tidak dengan bayang-bayang. Atau dia salah dengar? Tempat itu terlalu gelap ….

Ia hampir terkena serangan jantung ketika kedua bahunya dipegang oleh seseorang dari belakang.

“Apa yang kamu lakukan di sini?”

Xeva berbalik dan menghela napas ketika melihat sosok di hadapannya. Sosok itu mengenakan hoodie berwarna gelap, topi, dan masker berwarna senada. Mereka teman sekelas.

“Kalian pergi terlalu lama sampai kukira kalian pulang duluan,” gerutu Xeva sambil bersedekap—berusaha menyembunyikan keterkejutannya.

“Pesanannya Owen banyak.” Zahira menunjuk sekantong tote bag minimarket yang berisi pesanan mereka. Tote bag berisi makanan dan minuman itu dibawa oleh pemuda tinggi menjulang di sampingnya. Pemuda itu mengulum permen stik di mulutnya.

“Kalian parkir di mana?” tanya Xeva pada Zahira karena tidak melihat tanda-tanda mobil pick up milik Yegor—nama pemuda yang tinggi menjulang itu.

“Enggak jauh dari sini,” jawab Zahira yang tidak memberikan jawaban. Xeva sudah terbiasa dengan cara berbicara Zahira.

Lantas mereka kembali ke dinding yang menjadi kanvas Owen malam itu. Tulisan grafiti yang terpampang di dinding tampak tajam dan mencolok. Pekerjaannya hampir selesai.

“Boleh coba ngga?” tanya Zahira sambil mengambil salah satu botol cat pilox. Ia sudah mengarahkan cat tersebut pada dinding dengan percaya diri berlebihan.

Owen langsung mengibaskan tangannya. “Jangan di mahakarya gue!”

“Why though? Aku cuma mau mempertegas garis yang di sini.” Ia menunjuk ke salah satu huruf.

Owen hanya mengerang. Ia mengacak rambut buzz cutnya.

Terlanjur. Zahira sudah menyemprot warna itu ke salah satu huruf dan ternyata perbuatannya justru merusak hasil karya Owen karena ia tidak lihai membuat garis lurus.

Owen tampak murka. Tapi tidak banyak ucapan yang keluar dari mulutnya. “You ruin my art.” Ia hanya melangkah penuh ancaman mendekati Zahira, menatap tajam, dan memperbaiki tulisan grafitinya.

“I just add more taste.” Zahira menyeringai sambil berniat mencoret dinding lagi.

“Argh, gue jadi harus mengulang lagi di bagian ini.”

“It looks better with my touch.”

“Lo enggak ngerti seni.”

“Hah?!”

Sementara kedua anak itu bertengkar, Xeva dan Yegor duduk bersila di atas trotoar yang bersih dengan potato chips di antara mereka.

Yegor yang memperhatikan dua bocah yang hampir saling lempar kaleng cat pilox. Tanpa perlu mendengar apa yang didebatkan Owen dan Zahira, ia bisa mengerti masalahnya. Mereka berdua memang selalu seperti kucing dan anjing. Herannya mereka sangat sulit dipisahkan. 

Xeva sudah kebal dengan keributan dua anak itu. Jadi ia hanya membiarkan mereka bertengkar soal siapa yang punya jiwa seni dan tidak.

“Tumben kamu bisa keluar malam,” ucap Xeva pada Yegor menggunakan bisindo. Yegor adalah teman tulinya dan mereka teman masa kecil yang saling menyaksikan satu sama lain tumbuh. Xeva masih teringat tinggi badan mereka yang pernah sejajar sewaktu masih SD sampai tiba-tiba Yegor menyalip tingginya di SMP.

“Keluargaku keluar kota,” jawab Yegor verbal. Meskipun tuli kongenital, ia bisa berbicara dengan jelas layaknya orang dengar pada umumnya berkat terapi wicara yang dilakukannya sejak ia bisa mengingat. Ia sangat mahir membaca gerakan mulut seseorang sehingga orang-orang di sekitarnya seringkali lupa dia tuli.

“Oh ya? Kok kamu enggak diajak?” tanya Xeva lagi.

“Aku disuruh jaga rumah.” Yegor mengangkat bahu—setengah berbohong. 

“Biasanya kan kamu yang jadi sopir.” Xeva sudah sangat kenal dengan keluarga Yegor.

Tiba-tiba arah pandang Xeva tertuju pada sebuah objek yang melaju di jalan raya. Lampu rotator berwarna merah dan biru berpendar di atas kendaraan itu. Mobil patroli itu semakin mendekat. “Ada polisi!” serunya seraya bergegas membereskan makanan mereka ke dalam tote bag tanpa peduli isinya yang bertumpahan.

Yegor menoleh ke belakang dan melihat hal yang sama dengan yang dilihat Xeva. Mereka berdua bergegas membantu Owen memasukan kaleng-kaleng cat pilox ke dalam ransel.

“Belum kelar!” keluh Owen sementara tangannya masih bergerak menyelesaikan sentuhan terakhir di grafitinya. Perhatiannya terfokus pada karya di hadapannya.

“CEPAT!” bentak Zahira memarahi Owen dan merebut paksa cat pilox yang dipegang sepupunya.

“Mereka mendekat!” seru Xeva seraya memasukkan cat pilox terakhir ke dalam tas ransel Owen lantas mereka berlari menjauh dari dinding gedung terbengkalai itu. Keempatnya berlari di atas jalan raya

“Yegor, di mana mobil lo?!” tanya Owen dengan napas tersengal tanpa menoleh ke arah Yegor. Tentu saja Yegor tidak menanggapi. 

“Ikut aku!” seru Zahira berlari paling depan menuju ke sebuah gang karena dia yang pergi mencari makanan bersama Yegor beberapa menit yang lalu.

Keempatnya berlari di bawah cahaya kuning temaram lampu jalanan, sementara mobil patroli mendekati tempat mereka berada tadi. Mereka terus berlari di bawah bayangan pohon sambil sesekali menoleh ke belakang. Strada dua kabin milik Yegor terparkir di depan halaman rumah kosong yang gelap. Mereka terburu-buru masuk ke dalam mobil. Yegor dan Xeva duduk di jok depan, sementara Owen dan Zahira duduk di belakang sesuai tempat duduk mereka yang biasanya.

Xeva menatap keluar dan mendengar mobil patroli itu berhenti di lokasi Owen berbuat vandalisme karena suara sirinenya yang dekat. Para polisi itu turun dari kendaraan mereka. Ia memegang bahu Yegor dan memberi isyarat untuk tidak menstarter mobil. “Jangan sekarang,” bisiknya. 

Yegor mengangguk. Meskipun di bawah cahaya lampu jalan raya yang remang-remang, ia bisa membaca gerakan bibir Xeva. Tapi kemudian dia mendorong kepala Yegor ke bawah untuk menundukkan kepalanya karena Yegor tentu tidak mendengar suara langkah kaki polisi yang mendekat di luar.

“Ouch!” Kepala Yegor terbentur pendingin mobil. Ia mengusap keningnya. Kemudian ia melihat berkas cahaya senter memasuki mobil. Semoga mereka tidak menengok ke dalam, ucapnya dalam hati.

“Maaf,” bisik Xeva sambil mengatupkan tangan karena sama sekali tak berniat membuat kepala Yegor terbentur.

Mereka berempat diam menunduk hingga berkas cahaya senter itu lenyap. Kemudian, mereka baru menegakkan kepala setelah mobil patroli itu meninggalkan lokasi vandalisme karya Owen.

“Baru kali ini ada polisi sampai turun mengecek,” ucap Owen sambil meregangkan tangannya yang pegal setelah sejam penuh mengerjakan grafiti. Ia melepas masker dan topi hitam yang dikenakannya.

“Bukannya kamu pernah kepergok polisi sebelumnya?” Zahira menatap sepupunya yang selalu berbuat nekat. Mereka menjaga rahasia itu dari para orang tua mereka yang bersaudara. Hanya barisan sepupu yang mengetahui fakta soal Owen pelaku vandalisme di bangunan publik dan properti terbengkalai yang ditinggalkan pemiliknya. Ia memang tergabung dalam komunitas rahasia pelaku vandalisme. Kenakalan terparahnya adalah mencoret dinding taman kota.

“Yeah tapi enggak sampai dikejar kayak tadi,” jawab Owen tanpa beban. 

“Kita ke mana sekarang?” tanya Yegor seraya menstarter mobilnya.

“Tempat biasa,” jawab Zahira spontan.

Xeva meneruskan jawaban Zahira pada Yegor dan mobil pun melaju ke tempat biasa mereka menghabiskan waktu bersama—melarikan diri dari tugas, pekerjaan rumah, membicarakan rahasia, dan menonton kapal-kapal ferry bersandar di area lepas pantai. Lokasi "tempat biasa"  berada di pinggir pantai persis dan berhadapan dengan bangunan masjid terapung yang terkenal di kota kecil itu.

Ketika sampai di lokasi tujuan, mereka berempat keluar dari mobil dan menggelar tikar di atas area kargo terbuka yang ada di belakang kabin. Xeva membawa keluar tote bag berisi makanan ringan yang tumpah akibat dikemas terburu-buru saat mobil patroli mendekat. Tak lupa mereka menyalakan lampu emergency untuk sumber penerangan yang dipasang di atas kabin karena area tersebut jauh dari jangkauan lampu jalanan.

Tanpa bicara, mereka berempat setuju kejadian barusan menegangkan. Belum pernah mereka menjadi target pengejaran polisi. Itu pertama kalinya mereka melakukan hal nekat bersama. Apa jadinya kalau polisi memergoki mereka berbuat vandalisme tengah malam? Mereka hanya anak SMA kelas 12 yang beberapa bulan lagi menghadapi Ujian Nasional dan SBMPTN. Seharusnya kelas 12 jadi momen pencerahan karena lengah sedikit bisa jadi berpengaruh pada masa depan mereka.  

Salah satu dari mereka terlihat senewen.

“Sorry,” ucap Owen yang duduk paling pinggir area kargo mobil pick up. Suaranya terdengar penuh penyesalan. “Gue hampir membuat kalian celaka. Tadi itu bahaya. Untung aja polisi enggak sampai menangkap kita. Kalian enggak perlu ikut gue bikin grafiti lagi.”

“Bukan salahmu, kita juga yang mau ikut kamu coret-coret dinding,” balas Xeva yang seperti biasa duduk di sisi Yegor.

“Tadi kamu enggak nulis nama kan?” tanya Zahira dengan raut curiga pada sepupu yang tanggal lahirnya sama dengannya.

“Enggak sempat.”

“Haa? Memang kamu biasa nulis nama?”

“Cuma nulis inisial R.” R adalah inisial nama belakang Owen. Ravenio. “Kalian mau maafin gue kan?” Matanya mengerling pada laut di belakang mereka—pertanda ia sangat canggung mengatakan itu. Meskipun sudah menetap di kota itu selama tiga tahun, Owen masih tidak bisa menghilangkan logat Jakartanya.

“Yaaa, kita maafin selama kamu traktir makan siang kita di sekolah selama seminggu ke depan.” Xeva terkekeh yang disambut dukungan dari Zahira dan Yegor.

“Oh iya, Yegor. Terima kasih—” Owen berterima kasih dalam bisindo—ujung tangan kanan mendekat ke dagu lalu bergerak menjauh dari wajahnya. Kemampuan berbahasa isyaratnya masih terbatas untuk kata-kata sederhana jadi ia melanjutkan dengan berkata, “Kalau enggak ada mobil lo, mungkin kita udah ketangkep polisi.” Di antara mereka berempat, memang hanya Yegor yang bisa mengendarai mobil.

“Bukan masalah. Yang tadi lumayan seru kok,” balas Yegor secara verbal dan bisindo. Tanpa mereka menggunakan bahasa isyarat, Yegor sudah sangat terbiasa membaca gerakan bibir.

“Seruuu kamu bilang?! Aku hampir kesandung batu pas lari! Lagian kenapa parkir mobilnya jauh sih?!” Kedua manik mata Xeva tampak berapi-api di bawah sinar rembulan. Rambut birunya tertiup angin.

“Biar aman dan enggak kelihatan dari jalan raya,” jawab Yegor santai. Tadi ia memang memarkirkan mobil agak jauh dari lokasi bangunan terbengkalai.

“Tadi seru kayak di film-film.” Zahira nyengir lebar. “Kapan coret-coret dinding lagi, Wen?”

Owen balas menyeringai penuh rencana. “Yakin mau ikut lagi?”

“Jangan ngadi-ngadi. Kalian mau kejadian kayak tadi?” Xeva berusaha menyadarkan partner in crime yang lupa diri itu.

“Aku enggak yakin bisa ikut lagi. Ada jam malam di rumah,” jelas Yegor sambil duduk bersila dan bertopang dagu. Ia menatap teman-temannya yang selalu ribut. Meskipun tidak bisa mendengar keributan mereka, Yegor selalu menikmati momen itu dan membaca perdebatan mereka yang tidak bisa didengarnya.

“Cuma malam ini enggak ada jam malam?” tanya Zahira penasaran. Mereka sebenarnya tahu alasan Yegor memiliki jam malam. Yegor tinggal di rumah keluarga besarnya yang terdiri dari nenek, dua tante, mamanya, dan empat adik perempuannya. Dia satu-satunya laki-laki di rumah itu.

“Keluargaku lagi liburan keluar kota,” jelas Yegor singkat.

“I see,” kata Zahira sambil melirik jam tangannya yang sudah menunjukkan pukul 00.15 dini hari.

“Pantes bisa keluar lewat tengah malam,” kata Owen sambil merogoh saku lantas mengeluarkan sebungkus sampoerna dan pemantiknya. Tetapi, Zahira sudah merebut bungkus itu lebih dahulu sebelum Owen sempat mengambil sebatang rokok.

Zahira terlihat sangat berang. “Mama kamu lagi sakit batuk dan kamu malah merokok?!” Ia teringat dua hari yang lalu melihat Tante Laras yang batuk-batuk saat berkunjung ke rumah. Tante Laras adalah adik ayahnya sekaligus mamanya Owen.

“Merokoknya kan di luar!” balas Owen berusaha menggapai kembali sumber nikotinnya dari tangan Zahira yang terangkat tinggi.

“Asapnya bisa nempel di baju.”

“Sekali ini aja. Gue udah enggak merokok seminggu.”

“ENGGAK!” Lantas Zahira melompat turun dari bak pick up dan bergegas ke tong sampah hijau terdekat yang ada di pinggir jalan.

Owen mengejar sepupunya. “Zaah, jangan dibuang! Plastiknya masih belum terbuka!”

Xeva membiarkan kedua anak itu saling berkejaran layaknya anak kecil, lalu menatap ke arah lepas pantai tempat kapal-kapal ferry sedang bersandar. Dari kejauhan juga tampak para nelayan yang sedang menangkap ikan untuk dijual di pelelangan keesokan paginya.

Bayang rembulan terpantul di atas permukaan laut yang hitam. Dagu gadis itu menempel pada pinggir bak kargo. Ia menikmati alunan lembut ombak yang menghempas pembatas beton yang membatasi jalan dan laut.

Sementara itu Yegor menyenderkan punggungnya pada pinggiran bak mobil pick upnya. Ia menatap langit tanpa awan yang bertabur bintang. Ia mengenali banyak rasi bintang dan favoritnya adalah rasi bintoeng pajekko dalam bahasa Bugis. Nama lainnya adalah rasi bintang orion. Rasi yang menandakan arah Barat.

Papa yang mengajarkannya cara membaca rasi bintang dan memaknai setiap gugus bintang di cakrawala. Ia merindukan Papa yang sudah bertahun-tahun berlayar di antah berantah. Does my existence ever pass in your mind, Dad?

Dalam hening, Xeva menoleh pada Yegor. Ia memandang rambut pirang Yegor dan irisnya yang berwarna hijau. Laki-laki itu sudah dikenalnya sejak ia mulai menginjak sekolah dasar. Mereka berbagi masa lalu dan sudah saling mengenal terlalu dalam.

“Malam ini apakah akan jadi abadi?” bisiknya.

Yegor yang merasa ditatap dan dibicarakan sesuatu mengerling ke sampingnya. “Apa?” tanya Yegor dengan suaranya yang dalam. Kenihilan satu indra bukan berarti ia kesulitan menyadari keberadaan sekelilingnya, justru keempat indranya yang lain menjadi sangat tajam terutama penglihatannya.

Xeva menggelengkan kepalanya.

“Kamu habis bilang sesuatu?” tanya Yegor mendekatkan kepalanya pada wajah Xeva yang membuat Xeva spontan mundur hingga ia bisa menghirup aroma mint dan karamel dari bibir Yegor. Mata hijau yang teduh itu mengerjap penasaran. Helai-helai rambut pirangnya jatuh di keningnya. Yegor tampak berpendar seperti bulan perak yang bersinar malam itu.

Pipi Xeva tampak bersemu. Kedua netranya mencari objek lain yang bisa mengalihkan perhatiannya. Permen yupi. Biskuit genji. Chitato. Astor. Ia mengabsen makanan ringan yang dibeli. “Aku diam dari tadi!” serunya.

Yegor menyeringai. “Aku memang tuli tapi bukan berarti aku tidak bisa melihat kamu bilang sesuatu.”

Pada akhirnya Xeva menghela napas. Dia kalah. “Kamu bakal cringe kalau dengar aku kepikiran buat puisi dari kejadian malam ini.”

Yegor menggelengkan kepalanya. Ia tidak pernah menganggap ide apapun dari Xeva sebagai sesuatu yang ganjil. “Aku akan dengar.”

“Sebentar, aku masih memikirkannya.” Xeva mengetukan jari telunjuk pada dagunya. Mata hitamnya yang selalu berbinar melihat ke taburan bintang di atasnya. Taburan bintang itu terefleksi di matanya. Terkadang ia suka menulis puisi meskipun tidak mahir. Seperti biasa ia membawa buku catatan kecil dan pulpen mini di saku.

Jari tangannya yang mungil sibuk menuliskan bisikan suara di benaknya yang menyeruak tumpah.

Sambil menahan tawa karena merasa idenya menggelikan, ia menatap Yegor yang mengamatinya sedari tadi. “Janji jangan menganggapku aneh!”

“Yaaa, aku bakal memasang wajah tanpa ekspresi.” Yegor ikut menahan senyum.

Xeva menghela napas kemudian kalimatnya mengalir di udara sementara Yegor membaca setiap gerak bibir Xeva agar ia mengerti.

“Hamparan cakrawala semakin redup.
Rembulan dan bintang saling berselaras.
Samudra mereguk binar perak.
Senyap mengalun lirih.
Malam ini apakah akan jadi abadi?"

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Tentu. Aku akan mengingat malam ini, tapi apakah kamu akan mengenangnya juga?

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To be continued

  

About their profiles

Full name: Xevara Ellena Stefany
Nickname: Xeva
D. O. B.: 3 April 2001
Birth Place: Makassar
Blood Type: B+
Pronoun: she/her
Height: 172 cm

Full name: Yegor Dionysius Tjakra
Nickname: Yegor
D. O. B.: 29 Juli 2000
Birth Place: Novosibirsk (he is half Indo/half Russian)
Blood Type: AB-
Pronoun: he/him
Height: 189 cm

Full name: Zahira S. L. Ghassan
Nickname: Zahira
D. O. B.: 13 November 2000
Birth Place: Jayapura
Blood Type: O+
Pronoun: she/her
Height: 163 cm

Full name: Owen Ravenio
Nickname: Owen
D. O. B.: 13 November 2000
Birth Place: Balikpapan
Blood Type: B+
Pronoun: he/him
Height: 180 cm

 

 

Broken Promise

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2008

The wheather was humid that day. The sky was crystal blue clear without any clouds roaming around the atmosphere. The sun was scorching hot above my head. I looked at my silent fishing rod. It had been an hour since no fish devoured the bait. I waited for a fish to come while watching the little guy beside me.

I never realized how much he grew in a year. The last time I met him, he was tiny and short. Even though we lived under the same roof, we almost never spent time together so I never had a chance to scrutiny my younger brother. My schedule was always earlier than him. 

Moment like this was the only time we could be together. Right now, he was sitting on the bench while reading a book. He wore a yellow shirt, trunks, and white keds. His light brunette hair was father’s resemblance, while his honey eyes were mother’s heritage.

We were sailing on my yacht that day. Only both of us. It was such a rare moment.

Honestly, I forgot the moment I could get closer to my little brother. Was it when I was in junior high school? We used to sit side by side on formal event when family was invited. We were both like display dolls. We smiled to father’s guests. But, recently we only met occasionally during dinner at home.

His existence seemed vague and distant because I was always in hustle between school, library, company, and the underground where father did his additional work. Extra duty that made me retch because of how ruthless the world was.

I relieved this boy would never know that.

The wind crooned softly and blew my little brother’s hair. His cheeks were reddened because of the sunny weather. He forgot to bring his cap, so I took off my blue cap and put it on his head. Then, he dropped his book and looked at me.

“When will you catch a fish? Just say you suck at fishing.”

Sometimes his angelic face was not in harmony with whatever came out from his mouth. Sure thing he was only 8 years old, but he was getting more presumptuous than I thought. I heard a lot about his impudent personality from the maids at home.

“Fishing needs patience. It is relaxing and refreshing our complicated minds." I explained. We needed to bond during this summer break before I went to the ivy league and pursue the double degrees. My life would be more hectic once I step on college.  

He stood up and walked to the yacht railing. “There is no fish here. Look at the fishpond over there. They must gather there. “   

I squinted my eyes while fixing my eyeglasses. Shit. My minus increased. I couldn’t see the faraway fishpond wherever he pointed. “It was quite far.”

My little brother sighed. “We should go somewhere with a car instead. Dad just bought you a new car, right?” Probably he was bored sailing on yacht, but he sounded a little bit sulky and jealous. I didn’t understand why an 8 years old boy wanted to get a car. Without doubt, he would get a car once he got older. 

“So, you don’t like to accompany me fishing?” I stood up beside him on the railing. He was also getting much taller than last year.

He shrugged. “I like it.”

“But?”

“No but. I like being with you.” He said without hesitate and that really touched my heart. Despite our rare spending time together, he still liked being with me. “Then, teach me how to drive,” remarked him. He looked so determined that I was stunned for a while.

What?

What was this 8 years old boy saying out of blue? “We have chaffeurs. You just ask the destination and they will take you. Why would you want to drive a car by yourself? It is tiring."

“Just teach me. Nobody in the house will teach me—not even dad.”

He was right. I was pondering in my thoughts. Dad was the one who taught me drive and it was not really good memories. Perhaps because I was slow while learning how to drive. It was one of my weakness. I didn’t like driving a car even until now. Why would I drive if I had chaffeur to take me anywhere? I better sat calmly in the passenger seat.

Then I considered the worst scenario … What if something happened and he was forced to go somewhere by himself? We couldn’t always trust anyone around us. Someone could betray us without signs. He must be an independent person.

“Okay.” I said.

“Are you sure?!” He was delighted. His honey eyes was glistening in excitement. Then, he asked, “Any terms and condition?” 

Oh God. Why would he think a ToC? “As long as you would drive safe.”

All of sudden, my fishing rod swayed. The bobber went down. I held my fishing rod immediately and reeled the rod carefully, so the fish wouldn’t runaway. I was expecting a big strike but the fish I caught was just a medium sized fish. It was a tilapia fish. I removed the hook from the fish and put it on the bucket. Not bad. The chef at house would cook it for additional lunch menu.

“Let’s go back home. You already get the fish now teach me to drive!” uttered him. This little gremlin was so demanding.

“What? It’s almost mid day.” I looked at the watch on my wrist. It was already 11.30 a.m.

“You promised.”

Other than his impudent personality, I heard a lot about his tantrum habit. He often threw tantrum when he didn’t get what he wanted just like a rich spoiled kid.

Facing a tantrum child was not in my bingo list today. “Sure.”

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I was the one who taught him to drive a car. I drove my brand new Audi R8 to teach him. It was my new car—gift from father after working hard to get into the Harvard with the highest SAT score and exceptional organization achievement at high school.

We went to an empty football field in the village that was close to our lake house. The lake house was indeed located in a hidden small town, far from the capital of West Java. The location was going down to the South. It was far from any big city. Perfect for hiding family secret, also perfect for my family who preferred to stay away from public. 

“How tall are you right now?” I asked him to make sure his feet could reach the three pedals.

“144 centimetres.”

“Alright. Here you go. Let’s change our seat.” We went out so we could change our seat.

I watched him adjusting the seat and wearing the seatbelt. He listened to my explanation once and  understood quickly. He absorbed everything I said effortlessly. He drove my car around the empty field. I was so relieved that nobody was watching us. No suspicious people were seen around this football field. Father always demanded me to protect my brother and I was totally aware of my responsibility. To protect him with my blood and my soul.

He was getting bored after several driving lap. He said that driving was too easy. For your information, he drove a sport car for his first lesson. It was harder than driving a city car.

He already knew how to hit the gas, the clutch, and the brakes. He also understood how to shift the gear. He wasn’t even groggy while shifting the gear. He drove very smoothly. I couldn’t believe he learned that quick. Was he already learning to drive somewhere? My own driving lesson took weeks until I could shift the gear smoothly.

It was already 2 p.m. and past the lunch time. Mother might look for us.

“Enough for today.” I took off my safety belt to change the seat again with him.

“Can I drive home?”

“Not yet.”  

“Please?”

I stopped in the middle of loosing my seatbelt and looked at him increduluously. Why did he plead for doing things I never like? We didn't have to drive by ourselves. It would be extremely risky for him. He was just a little boy. I could be under arrest for letting a literal child driving on the road. “Not today.”

“I’ll drive slowly and carefully. I promise. I want to know how to drive on the road. The feeling must be different. Please?” He demanded again. I could hear his coercing voice. Like I said before—facing a tantrum child was not on my bingo list today.

“No.”

“The road was not too crowded. I can do it. I can drive safely.”

“No, Leo.” Without I realize, my tone was rising an octave.

He glared at me. I glared back. Then, he took off the seatbelt harshly. He opened the door and slammed the door. His slam was quite strong for a little body. He slammed again when getting into the passenger seat. My brand new car … My heart screamed inside when the door was slammed really hard.

He sat calmly on the passenger seat. A dangerous calm. If I said something I was pretty sure he would scream out loud. However, I had to give him an understanding. “You’re too young to drive on the road. It's for your safety. The driving lesson is over today.”

The little gramlin kicked and stomped my dashboard with his keds. “Whatever. You won’t have time to teach me driving again! YOU’LL BE BUSY LIKE DAD!!! YOU WON’T EVEN HAVE TIME TO BE WITH ME AGAIN!!!” He screamed out loud. He was venting and throwing tantrum.

Shit. I couldn’t believe trivial thing like this became a big deal for him. Our quality time turned into disaster. “I still have 7 off days here, I’ll teach you tomorrow alright?”

“Bullshit.”

“Language.” Damn, where did all the ethics and manners lesson go?

“I promise to teach you tomorrow. Deal?” I said softly while driving.

He was silent. He didn’t even look at me. His feet were still on the dashboard. 

“I promise.” I said gently. 

Finally he nodded. His tip of nose and puffy cheeks looked a little bit red.

But, that promise was broken. I  couldn’t fulfill my promise because he was gone the next day. He disappeared without any trace. He was abducted. Someone or some people kidnapped him. This little gremlin was no where to be found. His little body couldn’t be found anywhere at home or at the vast area around the lake house. 

The guilty was stinging. Did I not realize suspicious thing the day before he was missing? Was there someone watching us? It was my fault. I shouldn't have taught him to drive. 

I cried when he disappeared. My tears kept flowing while looking for him around the lake house. I ran around the lake house while screaming his name and that time I really hoped to hear him screaming back. I wanted to see him throwing tantrum—I didn’t care if he wanted to wreck my car's door again.

I wanted to see him whole and intact. I missed his smile, his soft brunette hair, his honey eyes, his mischievous smile. I regreted why I never patted his head or hug his warm tiny body. I wanted my brother to be back. At evening, I roamed around the lake house until the pine forest area. He was lost, no where to be found.

On the next day, I was told to stop searching for him. Father forced me to let the searching team do their duty. I was stuck at the library at home for studying while my hands clutched. Why would father keep me to focus on preparing for college and for becoming the heir of the conglomerate? Why I couldn’t go outside with the searching team to find my brother? Fuck the college. Fuck the conglomerate company. FUCK EVERYTHING. It was not significant anymore. 

That day was my first and last time teaching him how to drive before he learned it by himself at 12 years old. His body was found four days later after he disappeared and was hospitalized for the next three days. My off days were wasted without being able to spend time with him again. I couldn’t fulfill his paltry plead.

The broken promise was imprinted to my memory, the same as the guilt that haunted me year by year. It stucked with me for the rest of my life and apologize would never be enough. 

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FINN

No Way Out

10 years later after their first meet in high school, a lot of things have changed.

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2027

“Someone has put a bounty on your head.”

“For how much?”

“Equals to one million dollars.”

Leo huffed a chuckle. Being one of the elite burgoises in the decaying country made him aware that someone out there could pay a guild party to hunt him. Something out there was trying to be a predator. “That is so little. I am worth more than that!” complained him.  

Jeffrey looked around. “We must escape this collapsed building before they find you.” Half an hour ago, they came to this official building to attend a meeting between the government and the conglomerate’s owners in the country. Until a C4 bomb was exploded in the building. The meeting right away became a full chaos. The bodyguards emerged to secure the executive to escape the shattering building safely. While the conglomerates were evacuated to the emergency exit, their guards immediately came to rescue their bosses. During these times, security guards were not only hired to protect the executive government, but they were also hired to protect those business owners.

The massive building was shattering in a second. The fifth to the second floor were in shambles. Only the first floor survived even though the debris fell down everywhere. Blackout occurred and the stairs were crumbling. Some of the conglomerates did not survive while going down the stairs from the fifth floor to the ground floor. The executives escaped through particular emergency exit that could be accessed only with their body part authentification.

Slowly, the building stopped crumbling and everything became eerily quiet. The only things  could be heard were their panting breath from running down and avoiding the debris. Some of the special guests already escaped before the access to get out was blocked by the ruins of the buildings.

Things became pure chaos when they walked to the glass windows. Armed civilians were marching outside the lobby.

“Get down!!!” Jeffrey pushed his one and only boss to bow down to dodge a bullet when they were walking in the first floor. The emergency exit was already filled by ruins. The main gate to the building were guarded by civil people who want to bring down everyone inside the building.

People were difficult to be trusted right now. Humans betrayed each other anytime and anywhere. They were driven by money and lust. 

That was the reason Leo only brought his right-hand man to protect him in case something like this happened. A lot of things have changed this past ten years.

Leo looked back to the windowpane while they ran to an alley. They needed a safe area to retreat from the possibility of crumbling debris and people shooting out there. Jeffrey was right. The chaotic people outside aimed rifle to his head. His eyes widened when the weapon was aimed to Jeffrey. He pushed Jeffrey to the wall, while a bullet was shot to his lower back. He held still his expression to hide the pain while the bullet was lodged around his waist. Another bullet appeared and both of them dodged that safely while keep running.

“Those bullets didn’t hit you, right?” Jeffrey asked in panic after they turned right to a dark room that was probably used for an office. Desks with a computer, printer machine, stacks of papers, documents, and stationery. However, those things would be gone tonight.

Leo shook his head.

Jeffrey let out a relief sigh. “We must search another exit gate before they get inside.” They crouched down behind the office desk—hidden from the sight of threshold. He checked his phone to call help from anyone from the mansion. “Shit. The signal is off.”

“They must use a jammer to shut down the internet network.”

“I get to look for a flashlight. Do you have a weapon with you? I only bring my revolver and my bullet is limited.”

Leo pulled out a folding knife from a hidden pocket in his suit.

“Good.”

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The other guests had found another safe place or escaped. Both of them decided not to be bothered by the other conglomerate’s safety. They had their own bodyguards and probably knew something like this could happen anytime. Moreover, they might know something about a bounty on his head. Was the other conglomerates were afraid to become the next bounty target?

Jeffrey walked in front of his superior that used to be his juvenile fight companion. It was ten years ago when they were just screw up high schoolers. It was also ten years ago when a boy had gone somewhere and came back only to strike the national exam with the highest score. Months after Leo had gone, he came back with different aura. His eyes were darken and his smile was not as honest as before. It seemed like something heavy fell on his shoulders.

He fulfilled his promise to him to brawl in the gymnasium of their small town high school. It was a fun fight. They laughed even though their limbs were bruised. Perhaps, it was the last time Jeffrey saw Leo acted like someone his age. His honey eyes were radiating exuberant shine like a burden escaped from his soul. But after that moment, Leo asked him a particular and formal thing.

To follow him.

To protect him no matter what happened.

To swear on his life to be on his side.

Somehow, the younger him agreed. Leo’s existence made him want to protect the latter with his soul. He was provided everything to become a qualified right-hand man. He also saw Leo’s true form. Later, he found out Leo was not only the new kid in a small town who was always resented by life. Leo was a solitary wolf who fought alone. Jeffrey thought he was already being on the top during high school. He was the strongest fighter in high school. He had the most powerful affect toward people around him. Until he saw Leo.

It had been ten years. Thinking about that made him feel so naïve back then.

Now, they came back again to this country after years roaming around the other country. DMR Corp needed to resolve a conglomerate problem in this country.

Jeffrey turned back to make sure Leo was okay. They walked along the alley and tried to listen any debris found or people’s steps. Leo’s sensitive hearing was useful to detect any suspicious sounds around them. While walking, they had no idea why this official building had so many alleys and rooms. 

They found another exit to the basement but it was blocked by ruins of the wall. Leo heard a hint of another debris falling before it crumpled to Jeffrey’s head. The building slowly became slanted. So they walked to look for another exit.

It felt like they were the only humans left on earth. Hours passed by and the night came. They looked outside through the window carefully—afraid a snipper was aiming their rifle to them. 

Smoke and ashes decorated the city landscape. Burned scent filled the air. A faint sound from ambulance sirine was the only audible sound. 

“Get down!” Jeffrey pushed Leo to the ground. Sequence of bullets penetrated the windows. The shard of glass was shattering. “We have to crawl! Avoid the window!”

The ground floor was messed up. At night, people were looting for expensive things like the flower vase, television, computer, printer, and sometimes the expensive office chairs. 

Leo and Jeffrey crawled under the row of windowpane, then they sprinted to find a room for hiding. They locked the door quitely and rested on the floor to hide from window on the door. Jeffrey turned off the flashlight. Suddenly, a light from the door window emerged. They held their breath and waited until they stopped trying to invade their hiding room.

“FUCK! This one is locked!” said a looter outside.

“Are you fucking idiot? This room doesn’t have any precious thing. It's just an empty meeting room.”

“We can take the desk and chairs though.”

“Bah!!! The chairs look cheap. We ONLY take valuable stuffs.”

The light to their room were vanished. They exhaled a breath. Leo was exhausted and his back was bleeding. His sight became a bit blurry and he could feel the symptomps of blood lost. 

Jeffrey found a cardboard box of bottled water but only one bottle water left. He gave it to Leo first. Jeffrey refused the water bottled when Leo shared it. His priority was Leo, but the latter still insisted to share the water. 

“Are you okay?” asked Jeffrey while looking beside him under the dim light. The room was dark. Only the moonlight from the door's window became their source of light.

“Thanks for the water. Are there more?”

“Only one left.”

Silence. They heard human steps outside the room. Shouts and rough conversations filled the atmosphere. The taught feeling on their guts haunted them. The night was austere.

“You must rest.” Jeffrey whispered to his superior.

“We take turns to be on guard,” stated Leo.

“Alright.” But Jeffrey planned not to wake Leo when his turns came. Leo looked so pale. Sweats covered his face because the air was hot. His slicked back hair was already losing its form. Strands of hairs fell over his forehead.

“I’ll sleep for a while,” whispered Leo while being slowly drowsy in sleep. He tried to keep his posture straight.

It was annoying to see Leo sleeping while trying to keep his neck straight. He must be trying to stay alert. Then, Jeffrey pulled Leo’s head to lean on his shoulder. He could feel Leo’s warm body rested on his body side. It assured him that his superior was still alive. He forgot since when he became obsessed to protect the man beside him. 

He heard Leo’s steady breath. Leo was taller and leaner than him, but who knew which one stronger? They never brawled again since they were seventeen, so they had no idea about their fight comparison.

The night was dreadful. At least he could be safe with him. 

Right now Leo was just like his younger self. The usual frowned expression on his face disappeared. He looked so peaceful right now and Jeffrey just wanted to protect that peaceful face.

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Around the midnight, the ambush and the looting had stopped. It was completely tranquil.

“Juan must have known something is wrong with the meeting if we haven't came home this late,” said Leo—breaking the silence between them. He woke up and straightened his back again. Juan was his personal assistant who managed his schedule.

“Yeah, he should be waiting somewhere.”

“Riots emerged because this country doesn’t care anymore about their people right? The ruler thought the people were just number, statistic data, and part of percentage, even though they have soul, family, and future,” said Leo out of nowhere.  

Jeffrey sensed something. “You must put your safety and stop thinking about doing harmful things.”

“The person who put bounty on my head probably someone who holds money and power. Where do you think they found a pile of money just for killing one head?” Leo snorted.

“And you assume someone from this evening’s meeting was behind the bounty?”

Leo shrugged. He still had no clue. “Some of them already died.”

“Do not plan anything right now. Just think about where is the exit and going home. You could even escape this doomed country if you want.”

“Yeah, let’s get out of here first.”

They stood up and walked outside the room carefully. Jeffrey didn’t turn on the flashlight because he worried someone could detect their existence. Jeffrey walked faster because he saw a faint red light that indicated an exit door in the end of the alley. Meanwhile, Leo’s steps were getting slower. Jeffrey looked behind at Leo who walked with slouched shoulders like he was in pain.

Jeffrey turned on the flashlight and saw traces of blood behind Leo’s steps.

“Stop looking behind.” Leo was infuriated. His voice meant no rejection.

“Oh shit … shit … You’re bleeding. You’re fucking bleeding.”

Leo gripped Jeffrey’s shoulder. “Do not panic. Keep walking forward.” His sight was getting more blurry. The sharp pang pain on his back emerged. Sweats streamed down his side of his face. His eyes widened when he heard hurried steps getting closer. “They come here. Run. Run.”

“What? I don’t hear—”

Leo pulled the other’s hand and ran as fast as he could. The emergency exit was closer. Those looter must have detected his blood. Leo cursed at the trace he left behind. When they got to the emergency exit, it was locked. Jeffrey used his revolver to shoot the keyhole.

“SOMEONE OUT THERE!!”

“They must be the people from the government meeting yesterday!”

“Wait … is he the bounty target? His face looks similar to this poster!!!”  

Jeffrey opened the door and cursed because the emergency exit was not connected to the ground. He kicked the ladder and a ladder came out to help them getting down. First floor indeed didn’t mean the ground floor. Leo got down through the ladder first. Then, Jeffrey followed him.

Leo was panting. His injury slowed him. He ever got shot before and still able to walk miles to get home when he was seventeen. But right now, this bullet shot was torturing him. Well, he said he could walk with bullet shot—not run.

He forced his feet to run through the parking area but Jeffrey couldn’t stand him walking slower. He crouched down in front of Leo. “I can still run,” said Leo lying.

“NOO. COME ON!”

“I am totally fine!”

“You have bullet in your body right now. I’ll carry you. It’s faster this way.”

Then, they—Jeffrey—ran away from the hunter who tried to kill them. Jeffrey saw an ugly minibus on the road and he was sure it was Juan’s car. Leo had asked Juan to use ugly vehicle to pick up them if something had been wrong.

Someone was shooting again with a gun. Finally Jeffrey reached the minibus and they got inside. Who knew the ugly minibus had been modified with anti-bullet glass? Juan who drove the car hit the gas and the minibus carried him away from the collapsed building.

“Oh God! What happened inside?!” Juan needed to lash out his anger if he wanted to keep sane. “I waited for six hours!”

“Are you injured?” asked Leo to Jeffrey—ignoring Juan’s question.

“I am not. JUAN, DRIVE FASTER! He got shot by a bullet!!!” Jeffrey shook Juan’s shoulder.

Juan was always irritated by Jeffrey’s exploding remark. But he hit the gas deeper. Sadly, this minibus was not enhanced by a better machine to speed.

“I’ve been through the worse,” said Leo while smirking. “Someone put a bounty on me. They said my price is a million dollar. That’s so fucking cheap—” He was gasping for a breath. The bullet injury was probably got into his internal organ. He took off his suit. His white shirt was soaked in blood.

Juan looked at how bad the injury through the rearview. While, Jeffrey was shocked because he felt he was not worthy to keep his superior safe. “I am sorry. Forgive me, Leo! It was my fault. I am no useful to protect you.”

“I am fine … I can hold it.” His palor face said the opposite.

“Jeffrey, you screw up for failing your boss,” said Juan—glaring at the younger. Jeffrey reciprocated with frightened and regretful face.

“Stop it, Juan.” Leo stared at Juan through the rear view. His gaze was enough to kill. “I am safe at least. For now, I am still breathing.”

His stare softened while staring at Jeffrey. He smiled an honest smile. “Thank you for protecting me.”

I should have been the one who says thank you. You protect me once again.

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FIN